Ucima, the Italian packaging machinery manufacturers’ association, has been appointed to develop improved worldwide technical standards within the industry.

In April this year, the ISO (International Organization for Standardization) approved the proposal from the organisation to set up ISO/TC 313 Packaging Machinery, a new global technical committee.

This will be responsible for drawing up standards for packaging plant and machinery with particular reference to aspects of safety, design and efficiency.

As Ucima, which represents a number of Italian manufacturers within the confectionery sector, explained, the decision further confirms the leadership of Italian packaging machinery manufacturers, an industry that generates 80% of its revenues from exports and controls a notable share of the global market.

With its status as architect and promoter of the new committee, Italy has been assigned the international secretariat for regulatory work involving all countries that are major producers or users of packaging technology.

Andrea Malagoli, CEO of IMA, has been named chairman of ISO/TC 313 Packaging Machinery after being nominated by the Board of Ucima, of which he presently serves as vice chairman.

Born in 1965, Malagoli has a degree in economics and commerce from the University of Modena and is a member of the Vacchi family, the majority shareholder of the IMA Group.

He began working for the Group in 1990 and today holds prestigious positions in numerous group companies and plays an active role in internationalisation processes.

The creation of the new technical committee will bring considerable benefits for companies operating in the industry. Unified standards will now apply worldwide, resolving the sectoral issues between European, American and other countries’ standards.